New Delhi, June 17: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the only operator of the Jaguar fighter aircraft, which is currently facing significant challenges due to a shortage of spare parts. This deep penetration strike-capable jet is not only grappling with issues related to ejection seats but also with critical engine problems.
According to the IAF, the platinum-rhodium catalytic igniters used in the engines are failing prematurely. This malfunction is adversely affecting the aircraft’s serviceability. To address this issue, the IAF is now requesting domestic companies to develop indigenous versions of these igniters.
The repeated failures of the platinum-rhodium catalytic igniters in the Module-12 afterburner assembly are impacting the aircraft’s availability and operational capability. These igniters often do not complete their designated ‘Time Between Overhaul (TBO)’ lifecycle, failing before their expected lifespan.
The IAF believes that developing new catalytic igniters using alternative materials instead of platinum-rhodium is essential to reduce these frequent failures. Currently, the igniters need to be replaced repeatedly and at a high cost. Therefore, finding a permanent solution is crucial to minimize replacement needs and enhance engine reliability and performance.
Additionally, there are issues with the ejection seats of the Jaguar. The manufacturer has already expressed its inability to supply spare parts, prompting the IAF to seek indigenous solutions.
Presently, the IAF’s fleet includes 36 Rafale and 38 Tejas aircraft, with a total of 270 Sukhoi-30 jets. Overall, only 15 squadrons are considered new. The current requirement for fighter squadrons is 42, but the IAF is operating with only 29. This means that by 2030, more than 12 squadrons will be phased out.
Looking at the current state of the IAF fleet, various variants of the MiG-21, including the MiG-21 Bis, MiG-21 Type-96, MiG-27, and MiG-21 Bison, have already been phased out. The MiG-29 will also begin to be retired gradually starting in 2030. Following this, three squadrons of Mirage-2000 and six squadrons of Jaguar will also enter the phasing-out process. By 2035, the IAF’s older fighter fleet will be nearly entirely retired.
To address this shortfall, the IAF is relying on the indigenous Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets and the procurement of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft. A contract has been signed with HAL for a total of 220 Tejas fighter jets. So far, 38 Tejas Mark-1 jets have been inducted into the IAF, while deliveries of the Tejas Mark-1A have yet to commence.
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